Title: Professor Emerita of Religious Studies
Company: South Dakota State University
Location: Johnson, Vermont, United States
Ann Marie B. Bahr, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at South Dakota State University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Higher Education.
Dr. Bahr, emerita professor of religious studies at South Dakota State University since 2014, dedicated her entire career to higher education. Teaching on the Brookings, South Dakota, campus for nearly 25 years, she garnered tremendous respect for her knowledge and expertise in a field that she is very passionate about. Initially teaching four sections of religious courses, she proposed and developed new courses during her tenure, including Middle East Studies and Geography of Religions, to address contemporary issues and broaden student understanding. Besides teaching, Dr. Bahr conducted extensive research, focusing on interreligious dialogue and world peace. She was also active on several committees that influenced integrating religious studies with other academic programs.
Before being acquired by South Dakota State University, Dr. Bahr briefly taught at the California Institute of Technology. She also worked part-time for the local school district, driving special education students to and from school. Moreover, Dr. Bahr served as a chief consultant for Millennium House’s Illustrated Guide on Christianity.
Possessing a rich educational background, Dr. Bahr holds a Bachelor of Arts in geology from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, since 1972, a Master of Arts in religious studies from Stanford University in Stanford, California, since 1976, and a Doctor of Philosophy in religion from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1989. Besides her education, she became active with several industry-related organizations, keeping her abreast in the field. She has been active with the South Dakota Humanities Council, the Society of Biblical Literature’s development committee, and the American Academy of Religion as a past president of its upper Midwest region. Furthermore, as a dedicated community member, Dr. Bahr has served as a musician and pianist with a music group at a local congregation.
As a seasoned scholar, Dr. Bahr has contributed numerous articles to scholarly journals, including the Journal of Ecumenical Studies. She also contributed an article to The Chronicle of Higher Education and was an author and editor for the young adult “World Religions” series by Chelsea House Public Publishers. Additionally, Dr. Bahr has spoken publicly before numerous academic, professional and religious forums, including a notable Conference in Hawaii.
Dr. Bahr’s success earned her a Mayoral Award from the South Dakota Humanities Council. Her expertise in non-conflictual thinking has been instrumental in her work. She attributes much of her good fortune in academia to her self-confidence, which she acquired from her early academic experiences. Dr. Bahr’s desire to study the profound influence of religious studies on various aspects of life, including politics, economics, international relations, and the broader conversation around peace and conflict, inspired her to remain active in the field for so long. Dr. Bahr was equally grateful to be able to marry her academic interests with her agricultural pursuits throughout her tenure, managing a small farm, raising dairy goats and growing organic produce.
In the future, Dr. Bahr aims to make more time for writing and envisions penning something that encompasses her experiences and insights from her lifelong journey. Her career and personal accomplishments reflect a combination of academic excellence and dedication to her pursuit of a deeper understanding of truth.
For more information, please visit:
South Dakota State University Profile
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